Page 15 of Love Bites

“At least you managed not to bite me that time,” I managed, between deep breaths in.

He chuckled, his voice low and rich. “Don’t get used to it.”

My forehead creased. “What do you?—”

“You need protection,” he said. “I needyou.”

I blinked.

“You’re my blood mate, Blair. I realized the moment I tasted you in the club, but you left before I could stop you.”

I blinked again. “Blood mate, as in…”

“As in, your blood can free me from the desperate hunger I feel constantly as a vampire.”

“Oh. That.”

“Yes, that.”

“What are you proposing, exactly?” I asked, my breathing finally growing steady.

“A mate bond.”

My heart nearly stopped. “Awhat?”

“A mate bond, Blair. A marriage. You become my mate, and I protect you and your sisters indefinitely.”

Fuck.

“And what if I refuse?”

“Then you have no one to protect you.” His words were careful. “And considering the conversation I had with Clementine about exactly who’s coming after you, I don’t think you have a choice. I’m a fair leader; you can find out that much from my people alone. Curtis and I don’t get along.”

“So I get to choose between spending my life mated to you, or letting my sister be used by a werewolf who I watched kill a bartender just because she made him angry.”

He hesitated just a beat.

It was such a small moment, I thought I might’ve imagined it.

“Yes,” he said.

“Fuck you.” I shoved his chest.

He took a step back, but didn’t release his hold on my waist.

“I would be trapped here, with you, for the rest of my life.”

“You would.”

“What about my sisters?”

“They can come and go as they wish, though it will never be completely safe to do so until they’ve taken mates.”

“Will you force or manipulate them into mating with any of your vampires?” I demanded.

“Of course not. If my vampires want siren mates, they need to win them over themselves.”

I let out a harsh breath. “Fine. Seeing as I have no other choice, I’ll do it. Let’s make the vows.” I lifted my hand to his throat, but he caught my wrist before I could touch him.

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